The history of porcelain
Porcelain's origins trace back to China during the Tang dynasty, over a thousand years ago, where craftspeople first mastered the combination of materials and temperature needed to produce something Europeans had no equivalent for. The city of Jingdezhen became the centre of porcelain production, refining the craft over generations and exporting pieces that were prized — and relentlessly imitated — across the world.
The term "white gold" captures how it was regarded. Lightweight, smooth, and brilliant in a way that earthier ceramics couldn't match, porcelain represented both technical mastery and aesthetic refinement. When European potters eventually unlocked the formula in the early 1700s, it transformed the continent's ceramics industry entirely.
For tea, porcelain became the vessel of choice precisely because of its neutrality. It doesn't absorb flavour or stain, it retains heat well, and its smooth, bright surface lets the colour of the liquor show clearly. That combination of practical and aesthetic qualities is why it's remained at the tea table ever since.
How porcelain is made
Porcelain begins with a precise blend of kaolin clay, feldspar or flint, and silica. Each ingredient plays a specific role: kaolin provides the whiteness and plasticity, feldspar acts as a flux that lowers the melting point and enables vitrification, and silica strengthens the body and adds translucency.
The clay is ground, screened, and blended with water into a smooth, workable body. From there, the forming method depends on the piece. Wheel throwing produces hand-crafted forms with visible craft character. Jiggering is used for consistent shapes like cups and plates. Slip casting, where liquid clay is poured into moulds, handles more intricate or irregular designs.
A first, lower-temperature firing strengthens the body before glazing. After glazing, the final firing takes place at between 1,200°C and 1,450°C — the temperature at which porcelain becomes fully vitrified. At this stage the material transforms: hard, bright, smooth, and glass-like throughout. A final decorating stage, fired at around 700–800°C, fuses any surface decoration permanently into the glaze.
A small detail worth noting: fine porcelain, when gently tapped, produces a clear, bell-like ring. It's a quality that has marked tea tables for centuries, and a reliable sign of a well-fired piece.
How to care for porcelain
Porcelain is practical as well as refined. Most plain porcelain is dishwasher-safe, though handwashing in warm water with a soft cloth and mild detergent will always give the best results. Avoid moving pieces directly between hot and cold temperatures. Porcelain with metallic or gold decoration should always be handwashed and kept out of the microwave.
FAQ
What is porcelain?
Porcelain is a dense, non-porous ceramic made from kaolin clay, feldspar, and silica, fired at temperatures of up to 1,450°C. The high firing vitrifies the material completely, making it bright, smooth, and resistant to staining and flavour absorption. It has been used for teaware for over a thousand years, valued for its durability, clean finish, and the way it lets the flavour of tea come through clearly.
What is the difference between porcelain and fine bone china?
Porcelain contains no bone ash and fires to a brighter, cooler white. Fine bone china contains bovine bone ash, which gives it a warmer ivory tone, lighter weight, and a subtle translucency. Porcelain is generally heavier and more robust; fine bone china has a more luminous, refined feel. Both are non-porous and suitable for everyday use.
Is porcelain non-porous?
Yes. Porcelain is fully vitrified during firing, meaning it doesn't absorb water, flavour, or stain. Each brew comes through tasting exactly as it should, without residual flavour from previous use.
What is the history of porcelain?
Porcelain was developed in China during the Tang dynasty and refined over centuries in cities like Jingdezhen, which became the global centre of porcelain production. European potters spent centuries trying to replicate the formula before eventually succeeding in the early 1700s. Known as "white gold" for its rarity and refinement, it has been central to tea culture across many traditions ever since.
Is T2 porcelain dishwasher safe?
Most T2 porcelain teaware is dishwasher-safe. Pieces with gold or metallic detailing should be handwashed to preserve the finish. Check individual product pages for specific guidance.
Is porcelain microwave safe?
Plain porcelain is generally microwave-safe. Pieces with metallic detailing should not be placed in the microwave. Check individual product pages for guidance specific to each piece.
